New Jersey for progressive farmers

esate
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EW JERSEY’S DIVERSIFIED SOILS

offer exceptional opportunities to capable
farmers, who want to specialize.

A highly developed potato farm

UR FARMLANDS, developed or undeveloped, are
in established communities where farm life is in
close association with industrial and suburban life.

A community market in one of our industrial cities. Fresh produce for
townspeople; good prices for farmers.

.
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New Jersey
7: Progressive farmers

ADVANTAGES AND CONDITIONS

OSITION.—New Jersey has long been known for its truck farms;

its advantages for dairying, fruit raising, poultry and general

farming are less well recognized. Occupying the most advan-

tageous position in the Union, between the two great centers of
New York and Philadelphia, and with more than ten million people living
within sixty miles of the State House, New Jersey offers a wonderful field
to agriculturists. Its unexcelled markets, moderate climate, and the ready
adaptability of its soils to a wide range of crops, give opportunities for farm-
ing such as no other state can offer.

New Jersey’s Rank in Farming.—’The total value of the State’s agricul-
tural products is estimated at $150,000,000, which, coming from slightly
over 1,000,000 acres of cultivated land, gives the exceedingly high average

Ns As Mages

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One of Jersey’s century-old farms.
Three

A dairy farm on low-priced, newly-cleared land.

yield of about $150 per acre. In proportion to its area New Jersey leads
all states east of the Mississippi River in acreage and total production of
alfalfa. On the same basis it leads all states in poultry and potato pro-
duction. ‘Three of its counties are among the five largest producing sweet
potato counties in the United States and the State holds the dairy record for
the highest county production per cow. New Jersey’s crop of black-
berries and dewberries is the largest, and its asparagus crop is the
second largest, in the country. It raises more than one-half of the pepper
crop, and one-third of the cranberry crop. Contrary to the general opinion
that the State’s agricultural activities are confined mostly to the raising of
fruit and truck, it can be shown that New Jersey produces annually over
$25,000,000 worth of dairy products, $17,000,000 worth of corn, $14,000,-
000 worth of hay, and $19,000,000 worth of potatoes.

Comfortable homes
on Jersey farms.

we eS

Kn weit

Population.— Though one of the thirteen original states, New Jersey is
still growing rapidly in population, and property values of every kind are
increasing. The State census of 1915 returned a total of 2,844,342 inhab-
itants, a gain of over 307,175 or 12 per cent since the Federal census of
1910 was taken. The property assessment for 1918 gave a total of
$3,030,926,010.

Farm Decline.—Forty years ago city attractions, western lands and other
influences caused a movement that resulted in a depreciation of farm values
throughout the eastern states. New Jersey was affected by that movement
to such an extent that many good farms were left unoccupied and the State’s

Five

farming interests suffered generally. “Twenty years ago the tide turned;
the intrinsic worth of New Jersey soils and the State’s unrivalled position
began to be recognized. ‘To-day we are on the flood of a recovery that
promises to bring under cultivation most of the land formerly farmed and
much that has never before been cultivated.

Plenty of Land.—“Though many of our farms are yielding high returns
there are now available for immediate and future development, a million
acres of land quite as good as most of that now in profitable culture. Three
hundred and fifty thousand acres of the best grain and fruit land occupy the
valleys and hillsides of Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and
Warren Counties. Six hundred and fifty thousand acres lie in the southern
half of the State, where the soil is light and easily worked, and the growing
season long.

Our farms are served by fine roads and often by trolley lines.

Some land in South Jersey is of little value for agricultural purposes, and
should remain in forest, but the impression that it all is sterile is altogether
wrong. .

New Jersey can offer no public land, but much of that which is available
can be purchased for less than the assessments on so-called ‘‘free lands” in
other states. Uncleared land can be secured for from $5 to $20 an acre;
cleared land without buildings for $20 an acre; run-down farms with build-
ings for as little as $50 an acre, while farms in good condition can often be
obtained for from $60 to $100 an acre, depending upon location and other
conditions. From these low figures prices range upwards, yet with many
opportunities to acquire good farms upon better terms than those that rule
in other states. There are also opportunities to rent.

S1x

Farmers’ children are transported to graded schools.

New Jersey is Highly Developed. New Jersey is highly organized, and
offers attractions not in the future but now. Yet there is plenty of room for
expansion. Every farming section is in closest touch with city populations
and consuming centers, so that nowhere need the farmer live in isolation.
There are practically no farms in New Jersey more than three hours away
from New York or Philadelphia. Few farms are more than two miles
from an improved highway, or more than four miles from a railroad station.
Stores are always near, and telephone and daily mail reach every section.

Schools, Banks, Social Advantages.—New Jersey's schools are among the
best in the Union. Graded schools are provided for farmers’ children,
as well as for those who live in town. High schools are always within
reach, while three universities provide for higher education. An agricul-
tural college is at the service of those who wish to qualify as modern
farmers.

Every community has at least one bank, organized and administered under
Federal or State control, and various co-operative associations, all designed
to meet the financial needs of the people.

No farmer’s family need be out of touch with religious or social life.
Churches of every denomination abound and are easily reached by means
of our good roads.

Seven

co

as <—

—

Gees

Members of a county farm bureau visit the State Agricultural College
and Experiment Station.

STATE AID FOR FARMERS

Many Helping Agencies.—New Jersey has unrivaled sources of informa-
tion for the farmer. The Agricultural Experiment Station, the Agricul-
tural Extension Service of the State University, and the State Depart-
ment of Agriculture are always ready to give advice and assistance of a thor-
oughly practical kind. A Superintendent of Farm Demonstration is main-
tained in every farming county, as the representative of the Extension Ser-
vice of the State University, to help with local soil and farm problems. Co-
operative farm organizations are abundant, and the community spirit in the
rural districts has been developed to a high degree.

CLIMATE

Growing Seasons.—Climatic conditions are moderate and do not vary
greatly throughout the State. The rainfall is exceptionally uniform, the
average monthly precipitation being close to four inches; there is always
plenty of water everywhere for agricultural purposes. The first and last
killing frosts average: in the northern sections, September 25 to October 5,
and May 2 to May 15; in the central, October 10 and April 25; in the
southern, October 15 and April 20, the season of the southern portion of the

Eight

Not an automobile show—A Sussex County farmers’ meeting.

State being several weeks longer than that of the northern. Neither heavy
snowstorms nor extended cold periods are frequent; the winters in the south-
ern sections especially are often mild and with but little snow. Destructive
winds are practically unknown.

SOILS

Relation to Crops.— New Jersey soils present great variation in texture,
composition, water-holding power and productivity. This fact determines
to a large extent the particular crops which thrive on each type. ‘The prin-
cipal soil types shown on the map opposite page 10 are intended only to
generalize the situation. ‘The soil map of South Jersey, page 12, is still too
small to be more than indicative of the prevailing kinds of soils found in
that section. Detailed soil surveys of the whole State are nearly com-
pleted, and maps and descriptions of several sections are already available.

Nine

GENERAL SOIL TYPES

(SEE MAP OPPOSITE.)

Section 1.—Level to very gently rolling, sandy and sandy loams, well or
poorly drained.

This area is famous for its production of market garden crops, tree fruits,
small fruits, cranberries and poultry, and bids fair to rank among the first
of the farming sections along the Atlantic coast. Here progressive farmers
have taken the light warm lands, and, by skillful handling and the use of
modern methods, including the application of fertilizers, growing of cover
crops, and sometimes the installation of irrigation, have produced crops of
far greater value than those grown on the naturally rich lands of other
states. Certain parts of this section are non-agricultural in character and
should remain in forest.

Section 2.—Level and gently rolling, loams to sandy loams, sometimes in-
fluenced by the presence of marl; generally well drained.

This section is known for its large crops of truck, potatoes, tomatoes, fruit
and corn. In the hands of skilled farmers these extremely fertile soils are
among the most productive in the country.

Section 3.—Gently rolling with some stony ridges. South of the moraine
loamy, shaley or clayey soil, derived from red and gray shales and sand-
stones; north of the moraine considerable glacial drift, soils frequently grav-
elly and sandy loams. Drainage good except in certain areas.

These loams, rich in plant food, are, at their best, capable of producing
large yields of hay, corn, grain and forage crops.

Section 4.—Rolling to hilly; soils predominately well drained and com-
monly loams derived from granite and gneiss, often stony; some broad, fer~
tile limestone valleys.

This section offers picturesque stretches of hills, valleys and rich pasture
lands. Here the gently sloping hillsides constitute ideal sites for fruit or-
chards and dairy farming.

Section 5.—Rolling to hilly, occasionally mountainous; soils loams and
some sandy loams derived from limestones, sandstones and shales, generally
well drained. Considerable areas of muck land, developed and undeveloped.

Here, as in Section 4, the hillsides and extensive valleys are used for
dairying, while numerous apple orchards are found throughout. Market
gardening is carried on where the rich muck land is available.

Ten

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT : TRENTON

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Milforay
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NEW YORK R

KAS'TON. BRO OKIYN

NEW JERSEY

General Soil Types based upon
Geological Formations

Termina] Moraine
1920 J

Ch

Seaic of Miles
$ 6

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A MOEN&CO.LITH BALTIMORE

Good roads prevail in the farming sections.

ROADS

Extensive Highway System.—The high quality of our roads, and the auto-
mobile give rural life in New Jersey substantially all the advantages and
opportunities of suburban life. Farmers in every section enjoy comfort
and economy in travel, and accessibility to markets, shopping centers,
churches and amusements. ‘The State is covered with a network of 15,000
miles of rural roads; it has .784 miles of surfaced roads per square mile of
area, or nine times as much as the average for the United States. The State
and its various agencies are constructing a highway system which will in-
volve an expenditure of approximately $35,000,000. Only the best and
most durable types of roads are being laid down. ‘These arteries of traffic
are opening up the undeveloped sections, and creating prosperous farms and
increased values everywhere.

Eleven

SOUTH JERSEY

INDICATING PRINCIPAL SOIL TYPES

1920

DEPARTMENT OF
CONSERVATION ano DEVELOPMENT

TRENTON

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4

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$

Twelve

LEGEND

LOAM
FINE SANOY LOAM

GRAVELLY SANDY LOAM
SANDY LOAM

COARSE SAND
SAND, LOAMY SAND
FINE SANO

RED OR MARLY LOAM
SANDY LOAM
SANDY LOAM

FINE SANOV LOAM

WHITE SANDS,LARGELY
NON-AGRICULTURAL
SHOULD REMAIN in FORESTS

©QOOO© OO

TIDE MARSH

©O

(3) FRESH WATER MARSH
30 Miles

7

7\s*

SOUTH JERSEY

INDICATING PRINCIPAL CROP CENTERS
AND RAILROAD FACILITIES

1920

DEPARTMENT OF
CONSERVATION ANo DEVELOPMENT

TRENTON

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Thirteen

Our farms are tributary to the nation’s greatest playground—the Jersey coast.

MARKET FACILITIES

Unlimited Markets at Hand.—Farmers in New Jersey do not have the
dificult marketing problems encountered by producers in the Western and
Southern States. New York on one side of the State and Philadelphia on
the other, are within one hundred miles of any farm in the State, yet New
Jersey at present supplies but a small percentage of their needs. “The man-
ufacturing cities, the country towns and villages and the rapidly growing
seashore resorts within the State likewise furnish markets for a large part
of the farm products now grown. ‘Twenty-five hundred miles of steam
railways, a great highway system and deep-water ship transportation on
three sides give our farmers market connections surpassed by those of no
other territory in the world.

MARKETING FARM CROPS

Dairy Products.— In parts of Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and
Somerset Counties, ninety per cent of the farm incomes are derived from
the sale of fluid milk. A majority of these farmers are members of the
Dairymen’s League, and market their products through that organization
in New York, Philadelphia, Newark and Paterson. The railroads run
special milk trains, or have milk cars attached to mixed freight trains.
Light motor trucks are much used for the delivery of milk to shipping sta-
tions. In some localities motor truck routes have been established, whereby

Fourteen

The world’s largest
markets are within
four hours of any

farm in the State.

one truck gathers the milk from a number of farms. Communities lo-
cated along the Delaware have, in general, better facilities for shipping to
Trenton and Philadelphia. The dairy sections of Burlington, Bridgeton
and Salem Counties supply large quantities of milk to these markets through
the Inter-State Milk Producers’ Association, shipping by special milk trains
to distributors in the cities. “The dairymen in Monmouth County ship by
special milk trains to the large markets, and haul to the shore resorts by
motor truck.

Fruits and Vegetables.—Hundreds of huge motor trucks are used by the
fruit and vegetable growers in the northern counties to deliver their pro-

Fifteen

Peaches for the city market by motor truck.

ducts in Paterson, Newark and New York. Excellent train service is also
provided. In Sussex, Warren, Morris and Hunterdon Counties, where
the apple industry is of importance, growers are building up an extensive
trade on “Jersey Brand” apples, marketing their high-class fruit in New
York, Newark, Paterson and other large cities. Some growers are now
shipping to points in Pennsylvania and the New England States.

In Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, and parts of Burlington Counties the
motor truck is used to carry produce to the New York, Newark, Trenton
and seashore markets. Special cars are provided by the railroads upon
request. “The growers of the Delaware River district in Burlington County
ship directly to New York on a specially chartered fast freight train, and at
the same time supply Philadelphia and river front towns by means of trucks.
Riverton and Beverly are the two largest river front shipping points. From

them many carloads of produce are despatched daily during the height of
the season.

In South Jersey motor trucks are in common use, several hundred crossing
the ferries at Camden each night with fruit and vegetables for the Phila-

Sixteen

Tomato market at the height of the season; buyers ready to compete.

delphia wholesale houses. Large quantities of peaches, berries and vege-
tables are shipped in refrigerator cars from Hammonton and Vineland.
Throughout this district special produce trains are put on for the season,
and goods can be loaded by the shipper as late as 4 p.m. for the early morn-
ing markets in New York and Philadelphia.

Tomatoes.— Many thousand acres of tomatoes are grown for the canning
factories located throughout the Central and Southern counties. Some
growers contract in the spring for a specified number of acres at a given
price per ton. Others prefer to sell on the open market when the tomatoes
are picked. From Swedesboro, one of the largest shipping stations, a single
day’s shipment of thirty to forty carloads of early tomatoes for distant mar-
kets is not unusual during the height of the season. Most of the loading is
done by representatives of wholesale produce houses. Bridgeton ships by
water daily many tons of canning house tomatoes to Philadelphia and other
points.

Poultry.— The poultrymen in the northern counties market their products
in the nearby cities by means of motor trucks. The Hunterdon County

Seventeen

Poultry Association sends its members’ products to Newark by motor truck
twice each week. Poultrymen in Monmouth and Ocean Counties around
Eatontown, Red Bank, Lakewood and Toms River sell a considerable por-
tion of their eggs at the shore resorts. New York and Newark markets are
supplied by rail, Vineland and Hammonton being provided each day with a
special egg car on a fast freight train.

Potatoes and Staples.—Our great potato crops are generally marketed
through farmers’ organizations. ‘These exchanges, through their numerous
branches, ship to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland,
and other cities. Staple crops are always sold without difficulty in New
York and Philadelphia as these markets constantly demand such products in
larger quantities than can be supplied.

LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS

Curb and Municipal Markets.—Many cities of New Jersey maintain curb
and municipal farmers’ markets where the consumers buy direct from .
the producers, thus eliminating the middleman. ‘The cities of Elizabeth
and Perth Amboy have large retail curb markets where thousands of dollars
worth of fruits and vegetables are sold by the farmers each week during the
summer and fall seasons. Jersey City, Passaic, Morristown, Westfield,
Plainfield, and Bayonne also support such markets, while New Brunswick
has a very satisfactory wholesale market place for farmers. “Trenton has
established, within the last two years, one retail and one wholesale farmers’
out-door market. As many as 125 farmers were accommodated during some
days in 1919 at these Trenton markets. Woodbury, Burlington and other
towns also have good retail curb markets.

Seashore Markets.—The well-known Jersey seashore resorts offer unusual
markets for fresh farm products the year around, the demand for the
best quality food stuffs always exceeding the supply. Cape May County,
and certain parts of Atlantic County, market practically their entire crops
at these resorts, and large quantities of fruits and vegetables are hauled by
motor trucks to the shore from Cumberland, Burlington and Monmouth
Counties.

Eighteen

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NEW JERSEY i muwey

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HOME MARKETS 1 i E
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Sussex S* . Le
1920 pe hee
Branchville a ee ets
Scale of miles < goeen Les Gg
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DEPARTMENT OF
CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT

TRENTON
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LEGEND Ce UN S

\ Frenchtown

1 METROPOLITAN SECTION a

PHILADELPHIA
SUBURBAN SECTION

3 COAST RESORT SECTION

“TRENTON SECTION

O CITIES oF 10,000 ro 25,000

re) CITIES AND TOWNS
oF ABOUT 5,000 ro 10,000

\e
OVER TEN MILLION PEOPLE

LIVE WITHIN 60 MILES
OF TRENTON

Nineteen

A roadside
market.

Roadside Markets have sprung up all over the State on well-traveled

roads, especially in the southern sections along the main routes to the sea-

shore resorts. "These markets range from a modest market of potatoes set
upon the grass near the edge of the road to a building showing to advantage
attractive baskets and bunches of different kinds of produce, as well as but-

ter, jellies and canned fruits. The receipts from roadside markets run as
high as three hundred dollars a day.

General Market Methods.—In general the methods of selling farm pro-
duce in New Jersey can be classified as follows:

ie
Z

Producers shipping by rail or water to dealers in distant cities.

Producers shipping by teams or motor trucks to dealers in nearby
cities.

. Farmers’ organizations shipping to dealers in distant cities.

4. Cash buying, or consignment shipping by local dealers, for distant

6.

cities.

. Farmers selling direct to consumers or local dealers at curb or muni-

cipal markets in nearby cities.

Roadside marketing to tourists.

Twenty

Exhibits at the annual “Agricultural Week’ Convention.

FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVE ORGANIZATIONS

Buying and Selling.—Farmers co-operative organizations are numerous
and active. “The Dairymen’s League, with its forty-one local branches in
Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and Somerset Counties and the Inter-
State Milk Producers’ Association aid in the marketing of milk. The Mor-
ris County Farmers’ Exchange, located at Morristown, purchases supplies
and sells products for the farmers in that and neighboring counties. The
Bergen-Passaic Farmers’ Co-operative Association, with its central office at
Paterson, centers its efforts upon the buying of farm supplies, as most of the
products of this section are marketed locally. “The Warren County Farm-
ers’ Co-operative Association has its office at Belvidere, and the Essex
County Farmers’ Co-operative Association is located at Caldwell. The
Bellemead Farmers’ Club, in Somerset County, is one of the oldest and most

Jersey
farmers
are well
organized
to buy
and sell.

Twenty-one

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Agricultural interests are foremost at the State Fairs.

successful business organizations in the State. “The Farmers’ Co-operative
Association of Mercer County has proved the practicability of a purely co-
operative, non-stock association for buying supplies and selling products.
Its business for the year 1919 exceeded half a million dollars.

During the potato shipping season the Monmouth County Farmers’ Ex-
change, with headquarters at Freehold, operates some thirty branch loading
stations throughout this famous farming section. It is the oldest and largest
farmers’ business organization in New Jersey, with about fifteen hundred
stockholders. Mount Holly is the headquarters of the Burlington County
Supply and Produce Company; and at Woodstown is the office of the South
Jersey Farmers’ Exchange. These three organizations, located in the chief
potato sections, ship the great bulk of New Jersey’s potato crop, and supply
their members with millions of dollars worth of seeds, fertilizers, feeds and
implements.

The South Jersey Federation of Tomato Growers is especially active in
portions of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland Counties, and looks out for
the interests of its several hundred members. The Co-operative Growers’

Twenty-two

Much of Jersey’s farmland is adapted to the use of tractors.

Association, with headquarters at Beverly in Burlington County, charters
a special train daily in summer to carry its members’ products to the New
York market. The largest poultry association in the State is located at
Vineland, the center of one of the greatest poultry districts in the country.
The several hundred members of this active organization use special labels
to advertise Vineland eggs.

Educational Associations.—Besides the organizations for buying and sell-
ing, many associations have been formed for the promotion of various types
of farming. Prominent among these are the New Jersey State Horticul-
tural Society, the State Dairymen’s Association, the State Potato Growers’
Association, the State Alfalfa Association, and the State Poultry Associa-
tion. Meetings are held at intervals to discuss methods for the advance-
ment of their respective interests.

FARMING AREAS

Distribution of Population.—The industrial and thickly populated sec-
tions of New Jersey are shown on the map on page 19, and significantly

Twenty-three

Grain is largely
grown on our
heavier soils.

cover a restricted territory, chiefly west and south of New York, east of
Philadelphia, and along the coast. The central and southern sections are
sparsely populated, and much of the land is devoted to, or is available for,
farming. Attention is directed to the fact that although the population
density of New Jersey, 405 persons per square mile, is exceeded only by that
of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, 75 per cent of all the people are found
in communities of over 2,500, occupying less than 6 per cent of the State’s
area. Outside these communities the population is far below the capacity of

the land.

Determination of Farming Areas.—Mlost of the land in cultivation lies
close to the railways or waterways. Combinations of soil, topography, cli-
mate, marketing facilities, custom, and other factors have caused types of
farming to become intensified in certain localities to such an extent that it is
possible to take up each type by areas. It is not to be inferred, however,
that the successful pursuit of these types is restricted to the designated areas.

Twenty-four

Not all the
tall corn
grows in
Kansas.

oY
FR ORE. on, ROUEN EET FE TET RRR

GENERAL FARMING

Suited to Whole State.— Practically the entire State, outside of the indus-
trial and thickly populated sections, (Map No. 1), is adapted to general
farming, although only to a limited extent in some of the extremely sandy
sections of Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic and Cape May Coun-
ties, and in the mountainous portions of some of the northern counties.
Corn, wheat, oats, hay and white potatoes are grown over the entire State

Twenty-five

Alfalfa and
timothy are
profitable crops.

and may be considered as companion crops, as land that is well adapted
by natural conditions of composition, texture and arability, for the produc-
tion of one, will produce any of them.

Grain.— Wheat, rye and oats are grown chiefly on the heavy soils of the
central and northern counties. Over 200,000 acres are planted annually for
grain and straw; about 15,000 acres for cutting green. The State pro-
duces annually about 2,000,000 bushels of wheat, 1,400,000 bushels of rye,
and 2,400,000 bushels of oats.

Forage Crops.—[n connection with dairying the production of forage
crops is of great importance. ‘The grasses, both native and introduced, are
grown in great abundance and with ease in the sections where heavy soils
are found. Kentucky blue grass flourishes in all parts of the State. Tim-
othy is the standard hay crop, over 100,000 acres being raised annually.

Twenty-six

350 bushels to the acre are not uncommon in the potato sections.

Clover and alfalfa are being raised more and more as the farmers realize
that they can be grown successfully on well drained lands. One year’s
hay crop is about 500,000 tons. Corn is king of all of the State’s food pro-
ducts, nearly 300,000 acres being planted every year and yielding a crop of
over 12,000,000 bushels.

WHITE POTATOES

New Jersey, in proportion to its size, ranks foremost of all the potato
producing states. “The area in potatoes usually varies from 80,000 to
90,000 acres, located principally in four definitely developed regions, though
it is estimated that in 1919 over 110,500 acres were planted, with a total
production of 11,500,000 bushels. Contrasted with the average for the
State of 104 bushels per acre, yields of 300 to 350 bushels per acre are not
uncommon in the potato sections. “The intensive specialization within lim-
ited areas has made it easy for growers to unite in buying their fertilizers,
spray materials and seed, and in marketing their crops at the end of the
season. Practices and methods have been standardized to great mutual
advantage.

As high as 50 to 70 per cent of the farms within the given areas can be
used for potatoes. The soils, unlike those of most other sections, are such
that, by using cover and green manure crops and commercial fertilizers,
potatoes may be grown year after year on the same land. This seeding

Twenty-seven

after the potatoes are harvested, furnishes the organic matter necessary to
maintain the physical tilth of the soil and makes livestock unnecessary for
maintaining fertility.

WHITE POTATO SECTIONS

(SEE MAP OPPOSITE.)

Section 1—The Monmouth and Middlesex area, the largest and most
important in the State, has 25,000 acres in potatoes. “The industry has been
most highly developed and is increasing each year. “The average production
per acre is from 80 to 90 barrels, or 220 to 245 bushels. ‘The average
potato farm in Monmouth County has 73 crop acres and a total farm area
of 98 acres. Other averages per farm, figured before 1914, show $17,673
capital invested, receipts $4240, a farm income of $1801, and 2.4 men re-
quired. ‘These values have materially increased since the war. ‘This area
has level topography, good roads, convenient shipping stations and fine social
advantages. “The potato most commonly grown is the American Giant,
which is hardy and scab resistant, and lends itself particularly well to local
conditions.

Section 2.—The Cumberland and Salem Area lies farther south, where
the soil is slightly heavier than in Section 1. It is neither so large nor so in-
tensive a potato center and the crop is produced more largely in rotation.
The farmers raise mostly round stock, such as Irish Cobbler and Mill’s
Prize, together with late crop potatoes, such as Red Skins and so-called Pink

A potato crop ready for the market.

Twenty-eight

NEW JERSEY “9 a

A“ >a yee N E
CHIEF WHITE POTATO SECTIONS

1920
Scale of miles

° 5 nw 1S 20
———

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DEPARTMENT OF Ya 2
CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT y s

TRENTON

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MHUNTER DON ayy o ey |
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anasquan

<
uj
O
12)

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NS { :
Lod
Oe

4 PS Aanric cory

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Ocean City

DELAWARE
BAY

Twenty-nine

New Jersey produces about $20,000,000 worth of white potatoes annually.

Eyes, which are local varieties particularly adapted for planting and market-
ing late in the season. Potatoes are also raised to a considerable extent for
seed. “This area comprises about 20,000 acres. The price of land in this
section is not quite so high as in Section 1.

Section 3—The Burlington Area is somewhat similar to Section 2. It
has about 12,000 acres of potatoes, and is developing rapidly. It produces
less seed and late crop potatoes for the commercial market. The varieties
mostly grown are Cobbler, Green Mountain, Norcross or Gold Coin,
though some of the growers prefer the Giant.

Section 4—The Camden Area is very similar to Section 3. Practically
the same varieties are grown, but yields are not as high as in the preceding
sections, as soils are not so well adapted to the crop. ‘This section has the
advantage of being close to Philadelphia.

Thirty

The dairy section of North Jersey.

DAIRYING

New Jersey has over 150,000 dairy cows, and the value of dairy products
in 1919 was between $25,000,000 and $30,000,000. According to Govern-
ment figures, dairy cattle in New Jersey, in proportion to the quantity, are
valued higher than in any other State, the total valuation being $15,000,000.
On the same basis, the State ranks first in the amount of advanced.
registry work done, and the number of pure bred herds is_ rapidly
increasing. ‘The Holstein and Guernsey breeds predominate, yet there are:
Jersey breeders who are among the world’s leaders for that type.

Although several of the country’s largest producers of certified and modi--
fied milk are established within our borders, New Jersey imports consider-
able milk to supply the demand, which indicates the opportunity for expan-
sion. ‘The close proximity to large consuming centers together with the ad-
vantage of collective marketing assure good prices to dairymen who choose
to locate in the well adapted areas of the State. The price received by pro-
ducers at shipping stations within the 60 to 70 mile zone from New York
City for milk containing 3.6 per cent fat, was $4.06 per 100 pounds or 8.73
per quart during December, 1919. The average price during the year 1919
was $3.66 per 100 pounds, or 7.88 cents per quart.

New Jersey now has eleven cow testing associations, and the breeders of
Holsteins, Guernseys and Jerseys have organized State Associations. Local

Thirty-one

Holstein breeders associations have recently been formed in Hunterdon,
Somerset, Mercer, Warren, Salem and Cumberland Counties. “The New
Jersey State Dairymen’s Association is active in advancing practical ideas
regarding the value of milk, price factors, and legislation.

Distinguished work has been accomplished in the control of such diseases
as tuberculosis among dairy cattle, particularly in the prevention of shipment
into the State of tubercular cattle. Asa result of recent tests there are now
49 herds on the accredited list, under which plan all of the animals are
tested regularly by Federal and State veterinarians. ‘The State is not in the
tick area, and is therefore free from the pest.

DAIRY SECTIONS

(SEE MAP OPPOSITE.)

Section 1.—Known as the North Jersey area, includes Sussex, Warren,
Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset and the northern half of Mercer Counties.
The country is rolling in Mercer, Somerset and Hunterdon, hilly and rug-
ged in Morris, Warren and Sussex, with much good pasture land, and many
small streams throughout. Well known breeders located here are furnish-
ing foundation stock for other states.

Sussex County.—This is one of the best dairy counties in the United
States, having 25,000 cows within its borders and averaging 25 per farm.
“The average production per cow is 6000 lbs., while the average for the State
is between 3800 lbs. and 4000 lbs. Practically every farm is a dairy farm
‘with modern barns and equipment.

Warren County.—More than 10,000 dairy cows are scattered through
the wide fertile valleys of this area. Pasturage is excellent, and good crops
of corn and oats can be grown. In this county are the homes of the famous
pure bred Holstein sires, King of the Sadie Vales, King of the Ormbys and
King of the Johanna Lads. Here is also found the home of the $100,000
bull, King Pontiac Fayne Segis, and likewise Korndyke Abberkerk, whose
progeny have shown his value in several states.

Hunterdon and Mercer Counties.—Hunterdon has 14,000 dairy cows
and Mercer 9,000, mostly of the Holstein breed. The herds in these sec-
tions average from 15 to 20 cows and there are many up-to-date dairy farms.
The country is not so rugged as that in Sussex and Warren Counties and
good pasture land and water are plentiful.

Thirty-two

m fort Jervis

NEW JERSEY “7
CHieEF DAIRY SECTIONS

1920

Scale of miles
5

DEPARTMENT OF
CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT

TRENTON

EASTON RFhiili psburgk ke :
3 attigh Bridge
SF \auintontns ; }
r oid UNTERD ON
wh ig

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Millstine

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Frenchtown
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Flemington

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BaD)
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VOcean City

a

DIET A WrA Re
BAY

Thirty-three

Morris County.—In this area there are about 9,000 cows. ‘The country
is rolling to hilly, with many fertile valleys. Long Valley in particular is
ideal for the raising of cattle and general crops. ‘his county is the home of
several famous breeders and importers of Guernseys. Here is located the
world’s record Guernsey cow, Follyland Nancy, whose son sold recently for
$25,000.

Somerset County.—With its 14,000 dairy cows is one of the best Holstein
counties in the east. It has many pure bred herds, and is the home of the
first 40 pound cow, the world’s champion at the time. The grand cham-
pion Ayreshire bull at a recent national dairy show was owned by a Somerset
County breeder. ‘The topography of this section, and the crops grown, are
similar to those of other counties in Section 1.

Section 2.—Known as the Cream Ridge Area, is in the western part of
Monmouth County, where dairying has long been the chief industry. “The
milk produced is used mostly by shore trade. ‘The cattle are for the most
part Holsteins, with a few Guernseys. ‘The highest price ever paid for a
Guernsey bull was received recently by a Monmouth County breeder. Corn
grows well here, and many silos are in use.

Section 3—Comprises a very extensive dairy community in the northern
half of Burlington County. The topography is level to rolling, the pas-
tures abundant and the land fit for practically any crop. Southern varieties
of ensilage corn are grown extensively and it is not uncommon to cut from
12 to 15 tons per acre. ‘This is one of the oldest dairy sections in the
United States, containing at the present time about 10,000 dairy cattle.
Grade Holsteins predominate, although there are several herds of grade and
pure-bred Guernseys. As seasons are longer than in Sections 1 and 2 the
herds may be pastured from April to November. Most of the dairymen
are members of the Inter-State Milk Producers’ Association, and sell their
products as whole milk in Philadelphia. The cow testing association now
operating obtains good results.

Section 4.—Known as the Salem area, has about 15,000 high-class grade
and pure bred cattle. The progressive dairymen have maintained a cow
testing association for six years, and have done considerable advance registry
work. One breeder of pure bred Jerseys has placed forty cows on the
“Register of Merit” list within the past four years. Here, as in Section 3,
the seasons are long and large quantities of corn and grain are grown. ‘The

Thirty-four

Where some of
Jersey's high grade
milk is produced.

Thirty-five

Dairying
produces a
steady cash
income on
many general
farms.

crop rotation of corn, potatoes, grain and alfalfa works well with dairying.
It is not uncommon to see herds pastured on fields which would raise 75
bushels of corn to the acre if under cultivation.

Section 5.—Known as the Shiloh Area, is in Cumberland County. Here
also the dairymen are very progressive. Practically all of them keep pure
bred stock and belong to a cow testing association. Farmers in Sections 4
and 5 purchased over twenty pure bred Holstein bulls during 1919, at an
average price of $600. ‘The crops are corn, grain and tomatoes. ‘The
milk is sold either to the condensery in Bridgeton or to the Inter-State Milk
Producers’ Association at Philadelphia.

Section 6.—Is close to Newark, Paterson and Jersey City. Dairymen of
this section usually retail their milk in nearby cities and towns. In com-
parison with other sections, very few calves are raised, but cows in the lac-
tation period are bought for milk and later sold for beef. It is not uncom-
mon to see herds of 200 cows kept within three miles of the city. Practi-
cally all the feed is purchased, and the cows are forced for the highest milk
production.

Thirty-six

A model swinery.

SWINE AND SHEEP

Swine.—The production of pork is one of the profitable occupations of
New Jersey farmers. Potato and truck growers in South Jersey have dem-
onstrated that the hog is the most economical medium for converting seem-
ingly waste products into marketable commodities, and many of them are
now marketing their small potatoes and fruit culls through the porker.
The industry is also carried on to a considerable extent in the central and
northern sections, the farmers of Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset,
Morris, Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex Counties raising swine as a side
line of dairying and general farming.

The increased acreage devoted to alfalfa is a boon to swine husbandry,
while the control of hog cholera by means of potent serum has done much
to make it profitable.

Sheep.—Some sections of the State offer peculiar advantages for the rais-
ing of sheep, the high, rolling lands especially making suitable pastures.
As a means of increasing fertility, destroying weeds and utilizing coarse
and rough fodders, the raising of sheep in New Jersey is desirable. There
is always a big demand for wool, and for lamb and mutton.

Areas well adapted for the raising of any kind of live stock are available
at reasonable figures in all parts of the State.

Thirty-seven

Tomatoes for a soup factory.

VEGETABLES

By virtue of its fertile soils and the close proximity of its farmland to
markets New Jersey has always been a large producer of vegetables. “They
are grown commercially in every county, and ‘“‘Jersey Grown’, as applied to
produce offered in city markets, means high quality for the consumer and
good prices for the producer.

In quantity production New Jersey ranks high. 53% of the peppers
grown in the United States are raised here. It is the second asparagus
producing State in the Union. ‘Three of our counties are among the first
five in the United States in the production of sweet potatoes, of which New
Jersey produces 1,800,000 bushels annually. The Richfield section of Pas-
saic County enjoys the reputation of being the most intensive gardening sec-
tion in the United States. In one square mile between 20,000 and 25,000
sash are operated. New Jersey with more than sixty canning factories, has
one of the largest canning industries in the country.

This specialty may be grouped broadly in three classes:

Thirty-eight

In some
sections truck
crops are
profitably
grown under
irrigation.

1. Market gardening, which is most highly developed in the northern
section where land values are relatively high.

2. Truck gardening, which uses lower priced land in every part of the
State, yet is always in close touch with the markets.

3. Production for the canning factories, an industry that is specially de-
veloped in the southern and central sections.

The sections described here are those in which some type of vegetable
growing has become specialized, yet it should be understood that other dis-
tricts are constantly being developed.

Thirty-nine

TRUCK AND MARKET GARDEN SECTIONS

(SEE MAP OPPOSITE.)

Section I comprises a large part of Bergen County. ‘The size of the
truck farm varies from 12 to 40 acres. The soil is a good loam. Many of
the growers formerly used large quantities of manure; now they sow cover
crops such as vetch, rye, and the clovers, after the last cultivation, and apply
commercial fertilizer in the spring. The principal crops grown are sweet
corn and cabbage. ‘These vegetables are marketed chiefly in Newark and

New York.

Section 2 is mainly meadow land in Essex and Morris Counties. ‘The
usual garden contains from 5 to 12 acres. Manure is used in great quan-
tities, supplemented by commercial fertilizer. Every variety of vegetable is
grown, and practically every gardener keeps from 1500 to 2000 sash for the
growing of lettuce, carrots, beets, cauliflower, parsley, spinach and celery.
Land values here are becoming so high that some of the market gardeners
are selling their land for suburban development and moving fifteen or
twenty miles into the country where city markets can still be easily reached
by means of motor trucks. In the Brookdale community much horse-radish
of high quality is grown. ‘The soil in this area is a medium to heavy loam,
often considered too heavy for market gardening, but by the use of lime and
much manure it produces excellent results under skillful management.

Jersey’s lighter soils produce the second largest asparagus crop in the country.

Forty

NEW JERSEY

CHIEF VEGETABLE SECTIONS
1920

Scale of miles
° ! is o

DEPARTMENT OF
CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT

(F<

TRENTON

ew ate os aos te /

: 2 cz.
. mARRAN BAY

Frenchtown

ae } some
ee
ml Flemington \ 2
rt \
» pegstockton eK io) ;
aé~ Cie * if “

Rape May City

Forty-one

Jersey melons
are famous.

Section 3, stretching from New Brunswick to Elizabeth, is an area of
much larger farms, the common size being from 20 to 75 acres. ‘The soil
is variable and the crops include asparagus, tomatoes, peas, beans, cabbage,
rhubarb and carrots. Most of the vegetables are marketed in Newark,
Plainfield and New Brunswick. Progressive growers in this section are
developing a special strain of asparagus which promises to surpass all other
varieties.

Section 4 includes a part of Monmouth County where the farms run from
40 to 70 acres. Considerable fruit is grown along with vegetables. The
main crops are tomatoes, asparagus, peppers, muskmelons, carrots, beets and
cabbage. During the heavy shipping season some of the produce goes to
New York by boat, though most of it is shipped by train. Some of the

Forty-two

The light soils of South Jersey produce large crops of onions.

growers within hauling distance of Perth Amboy dispose of their produce
at the popular public market there.

Section 5 comprises a narrow strip running close to the shore from Manas-
quan to Cape May. ‘Trucking here is less intensive than in other sections,
being mostly for the shore trade, and commonly occupies less than six
months of the grower’s time. ‘The rest of the year is spent in other occu-
pations, or in general farming. In this section are great opportunities for
intensive cultivation of specialties salable in city as well as in shore markets.
By the use of cover crops and commercial fertilizers, with skillful manage-
ment, the light, warm soils produce fine crops of sweet potatoes, asparagus
and other vegetables.

Section 6, the Bridgeton and Maurice River sections of Cumberland
County, cover one of the best known trucking areas. Some of the farms
exceed 1,000 acres. The soil in the southern and eastern portions of this
section is a light to medium sandy loam, which warms up quickly in the
spring, and is adapted for the growing of sweet potatoes, onions, asparagus,
melons, tomatoes and strawberries. "The centers of production for these
crops are Cedarville, Newport, Dividing Creek, Center Grove and Port
Norris. Thousands of acres in the vicinity of these towns are devoted to
onions and strawberries, which are shipped to the Philadelphia and New
York markets. The soil in the northwestern part of the area, north of

Forty-three

Market gardening section of North Jersey within ten miles of New York City.

Bridgeton, and in the vicinity of Rosenhayn, Pleasant Grove, and Garton
Road, is a somewhat heavier loam than is found in the southern portion and
supports an intensive trucking industry, several large tracts being under irri-
gation. Here great crops of tomatoes, beans, egg plants, lettuce, onions and
strawberries are produced each season and marketed in the large eastern
cities. Several canning houses in this section also take much of the produce
grown.

Section 7 is known as the Vineland-Hammonton area. ‘The farms range
from 15 to 75 acres in size. ‘The soil is mostly a light sandy loam, which,
under good management, produces excellent crops of peppers, sweet potatoes,
tomatoes, asparagus, peas, beans, melons, strawberries and sweet corn. In
1918 the pepper shipment from Malaga was 17,237 barrels, from Newfield
8,478 barrels, and from South Vineland 1,320 barrels. The growing of
sweet potatoes in the vicinity of Vineland is another specialty that is reaching
great proportions. ‘The reputation of “Vineland sweets” always assures top
prices in the New York, Philadelphia and Boston markets. The produce
from this section is shipped over two main railroads in special cars provided
during the growing season at all main stations.

Section 8 is called the Swedesboro area. ‘The soil is of several types,
varying from very light, sandy loam to heavy, gravelly loam, with some
marl formations. ‘The size of the farms varies from 30 to 90 acres and the
crops include peppers, sweet potatoes, asparagus, cantaloupes, watermelons
and tomatoes. ‘The centers of production are Swedesboro, Mullica Hill,

Forty-four

The light,
warm soils
of South Jersey
are particularly
adapted to
sweet potatoes.

west as Detroit, though many growers haul by motor truck or wagon direct
to Philadelphia. In 1919 the sweet potatoes shipped from Swedesboro alone
amounted to 10,357 barrels, 309,909 baskets and 132,500 pounds in bulk;
of tomatoes, 10,837 baskets and 446,701 crates, and of peppers 90 barrels,
83,652 baskets and 14,043 crates.

Section 9 forms a rectangular strip adjoining the Delaware River in Bur-
lington and Camden Counties. The soil varies from a light to medium
sandy loam, and the principal crops grown are early peas, beans, sweet corn,
cantaloupes, peppers, cabbage and tomatoes. Many of the growers also
raise considerable fruit. Products are hauled direct to Philadelphia, or
shipped by train to the large cities. This section is developing rapidly into

one of the most advanced trucking areas in the State.
Forty-five

Grapes, strawberries
and bush fruits

are grown
extensively in the
southern and
central sections.

Section ro includes part of Burlington and Mercer Counties in the vicin-
ity of Trenton. ‘The soil in this area is heavier than in the sections farther
south, and the principal crops are asparagus, tomatoes, peas, beans and sweet
corn. A good market is found in Trenton, with New York and Philadel-
phia for the surplus stock. :

Section 11 is an area of muck, or black soils which are ideal for growing
celery, lettuce and onions. This rich land, much of it undeveloped, includes
hundreds of acres in Warren and Sussex Counties. Though the develop-
ment of this ground often involves considerable expenditure for drainage
the handsome returns in crops usually justifies it.

Section 12 comprises the Montague district in northern Sussex County.
It is now principally devoted to supplying the Port Jervis and New York

markets, yet is capable of considerable expansion.
Forty-six

A well-kept peach orchard in Cumberland County.

FRUIT

New Jersey ranks high as a producer of tree fruits, small fruits, grapes
and cranberries. Although forty-fifth in size among the States of the
Union, the State is close to the top of the list in quantity and quality of its
fruit products.

All of the standard temperate zone fruits, peach, pear, apple, cherry,
quince, grape, briar, bush and vine berries are successfully grown in most
parts of New Jersey. The rolling and hilly areas of Sussex, Warren and
Hunterdon Counties favor certain types or species; the level lands and
earlier seasons of Gloucester, Cumberland and Cape May Counties give ad-
vantage to others. The ten days to two weeks difference in the ripening
period of the various fruits between North Jersey and South Jersey works
to the advantage of the fruit growers by reducing competition.

Peaches.—New Jersey has long been known as one of the foremost peach
states, its fruit rivaling that of Delaware, Georgia and California. The
orchards of New Jersey produce fruit of exceptional color and flavor. “The
chief centers of peach production are Vineland, Hammonton, Bridgeton,
Glassboro, Moorestown, Beverly, Hopewell and Lebanon.

Apples.—A large acreage planted in apple trees is bringing handsome re-

Forty-seven

turns for high quality fruit, and the number of young orchards is rapidly
increasing. The elevated, rolling lands of northern New Jersey are es-
pecially adapted to the production of apples of the highest quality and color,
while many successful orchards are found upon the loams of central and
southern New Jersey. The principal centers of production are Newton,
Blairstown, Hackettstown, Middletown, Cranbury, Beverly, Moorestown,
Glassboro and Bridgeton. Approximately 2,500,000 bushels of apples were
produced in the State during 1919.

Other Tree Fruits.— Pears, cherries, plums and quinces are grown for
market in many parts of the State, although not so extensively as peaches
and apples. ‘The annual pear crop is about 450,000 bushels.

Grapes.—F avorable conditions for grape production are found in several
sections, but the industry at present is centered chiefly in Atlantic, Cumber-
land and Burlington Counties. ‘There is a large acreage of grapes around
Vineland ; other extensive vineyards are to be found in the vicinity of Ham-
monton and Egg Harbor City.

Berries.— The production of berries is an important part of the fruit busi-
ness of the State, and blackberries, dewberries, raspberries, currants, goose-
berries and strawberries are extensively grown. New Jersey cultivates
more blackberries and dewberries than any other state. Atlantic County
leads in the production of raspberries, dewberries and blackberries, with
Hammonton and Egg Harbor City as centers. ‘They are also produced in
abundance in Cumberland, Camden, Burlington and Monmouth Counties.
Strawberries are grown in large quantities all over the State, especially in
Cumberland and Burlington Counties.

FRUIT SECTIONS

(SEE MAP ON PAGE 53.)

The most important fruit growing sections are described below, though,
since the whole State is adapted to the production of fruit, many fine loca-
tions will be found outside the areas named.

Section 1.—This comprises a large portion of Sussex and Warren Coun-
ties, with parts of Morris and Hunterdon. Commercial fruit growing in
this section is largely confined to the production of apples, but there are a

Forty-eight

.

-nine

Forty

Jersey peaches.

Apples with beans; the double cropping practice is common.

few peach orchards. ‘The business is sometimes combined with dairying.
Orcharding in this part of the State is undeveloped and splendid opportuni-
ties for the prospective apple grower will be found. The Baldwin, North-
ern Spy, Rhode Island Greening, McIntosh and Fall Pippin grow to per-
fection under proper culture.

Section 2.—This includes portions of Hunterdon and Morris Counties,
well known years ago as one of the most important peach growing districts
in the country. With the introduction of the San Jose scale the peach
orchards were wiped out, but now that the scale is under control this sec-
tion offers exceptional opportunities for both peach and apple growing.

Section 3.—This area in Bergen County is specially adapted to the devel-
opment of small peach and apple orchards, whose products are sold in local
markets. The population in this part of the State is largely made up of
commuters who willingly pay geod prices for first class fruit.

Section 4.—This section, comprising those parts of Essex, Union and
Middlesex Counties farthest removed from the large cities, is similar in
many ways to Section 3, although the land is less rolling and the soil is not

Fifty

Apples of the highest flavor and color are grown near the large markets.

so strong. The bulk of the fruit grown in this district is sold locally and
there are many opportunities for the development of new orchards.

Section 5.—Comprising the northeastern portion of Monmouth County,
this district is now one of the most important apple growing sections in the
State. Peaches, pears, grapes and small fruits also flourish. ‘Transporta-
tion facilities to the markets in Newark, New York and along the seashore
are most satisfactory. The country is rolling, with ideal soil and climatic
conditions.

Section 6.—The parts of Middlesex, Monmouth and Mercer Counties
included in this area contain some very fine orchards, though the primary
interests are other than fruit growing. The striking success of these widely
separated orchards indicates fine opportunities for future development.
The land is gently rolling, easy to handle, and the roads and transportation
facilities are unsurpassed. “The most important centers are Englishtown,
Hightstown and Cranbury.

Section 7—This area, comprising the western half of Burlington, Cam-
den and Gloucester Counties, is the most intensive and important fruit

Fifty-one

A packing house in a Jersey peach section.

growing section in the State. All kinds of deciduous fruits are grown here
to perfection, the greatest emphasis being placed upon the production of
apples, peaches, pears, grapes and strawberries. “The Philadelphia market
is easily reached by wagon or motor truck, while New York and other large
markets have direct connection by railroad. A large number of young
orchards indicates the future importance of apples and peaches. ‘The chief
centers are Burlington, Beverly, Riverton, Moorestown, Haddonfield and
Clementon.

Section 8.—The center of this section is Glassboro, about which are
grouped a limited number of large apple and peach orchards. The soil
here is fairly light, but quickly responds to treatment. There are many
opportunities in this district for the development of orchards on a large
or small scale.

Section 9.--This section, with its center at Hammonton, is known pri-
marily for its peaches and small fruits. It has much to offer newcomers.
Raspberries, dewberries, strawberries and grapes are grown extensively on
the light, warm, early soil.

Section 10.—This area is well known for its peaches and small fruits,
while the production of apples is developing rapidly. The soil is early
and easily worked. Vineland is the center for peaches and Bridgeton for
apples. Cedarville, Dividing Creek and Port Norris, are famous for their
strawberries, Early Campbell and Gandy being the leading varieties.

Fifty-two

RortJervis

NEW JERSEY ““y |™

CHiEF FRuit SECTIONS =e Ww
Zw
1920 penn
Scale of miles 4q } i fe if
° 5 to 4 20 ' hi is rs,

a Hibernia NY

DEPARTMENT OF i
CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT

TRENTON.

EASTON

ceean AY
Ry Send y Hook
4

z=

SG
uJ
Vi side Park
Ses apt O
12)

Chatsworth

omers Pointy En

& ATLANTIC CITY

Pocean City “Vv

DELAWARE
\e BAY

Fifty-three

CANNING

Based upon the great quantities of fruits and vegetables produced in
favorable localities, and upon the extremely perishable nature of these pro-
ducts, many canning factories have been erected, and do a flourishing busi-
ness during several months of the year. “There are over sixty such factories
in the central and southern parts of the State, giving seasonal employment
to more than five thousand people. “Tomatoes and pears are the principal
crops canned, supplemented by peas, beans, corn and berries.

In parts of Salem County, tomatoes for canning are raised in connection
with dairy farming, which provides manure as fertilizer. In the Swedes-
boro vegetable section large quantities of late tomatoes are turned over to
the canhouse after the early crop has been marketed for domestic use. In
Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, Camden and Burlington Counties, large
acreages of canhouse tomatoes are grown annually under contract agree-
ment.

Numerous
canning factories
absorb surplus : : —
produce. see ®

Fifty-four

FLORICULTURE

New Jersey has long held a prominent place in the commercial production
of cut flowers and potted plants, some growers giving particular attention
to new varieties. A recent census showed that the State ranked fourth in
the value of florists’ products. “The greater number of the greenhouses
are located within a short distance of New York, but large greenhouses are
situated in other parts of the State as well.

Bee-keeping is a profitable aid in fruit growing.

BEE KEEPING

As a side line with fruit raising or general farming, bee keeping makes
an interesting and profitable pursuit. In hothouse vegetable growing it is
necessary to keep some bees to insure pollination of the flowers and a satis-
factory set of fruits. The comparatively mild climate of New Jersey re-
duces the risk of winter loss as the bees winter very well on the ordinary
summer stands with but little or no protection.

More than twenty thousand colonies of bees are kept on our farms. The
total value of the honey produced yearly is estimated at $250,000.

Fifty-five

CRANBERRIES

New Jersey produces over one-third of the world’s cranberry crop, as
they are not grown outside of the United States. ‘There are in this State
approximately ten thousand acres in cranberries, yielding from 100,000 to
250,000 barrels annually. The average annual value of the cranberry crop
of New Jersey is estimated at a million dollars. A large part of the pres-
ent acreage has been cleared, drained and set out with selected varieties.
Most of these bogs are in Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean Counties. In
those counties, and in Cumberland and Cape May, are many hundreds of
acres of available swamp land which only await capital and energy to trans-
form them into profitable plantations. “This land can be bought for from
$5.00 to $20.00 per acre. Much of it is several miles from a railroad.

(C) BROWN PROs.
Cranberry growing. Hundreds of acres of suitable land are still undeveloped.

Fifty-six

Poultry raising combines well with peach growing in South Jersey.

POULTRY

With the development of scientific methods of management, poultry
raising in New Jersey has expanded within the past decade into a highly
specialized industry. Contrary to a common belief, and in spite of much
glowing advertising, this is not a business which can be taken up and made
successful without capital or skill. Numerous abandoned plants mark mis-
adventures, but the thousands of large flocks scattered over the State, and
which bring to their owners satisfactory returns, determine an organized
and stable industry. About 8 per cent. of New Jersey’s agricultural wealth
is in poultry; for the United States as a whole it represents but 3 per cent.

The State has a reputation for the production of market eggs and broilers
which are sold in the large cities. To these markets are added the shore
resorts which, during the summer, and to a less extent in winter, consume
large quantities of the best poultry products.

Climatic and soil conditions are ideal for poultry. The temperate cli-
mate and well drained soils tend to prevent sickness among the birds and
facilitate necessary sanitary measures.

The poultrymen of the State are perhaps better organized than those of
any other State in the Union. Many poultry associations with large active
memberships are maintained primarily for educational and exhibition pur-
poses. The State College and Experiment Station are well equipped and
organized for educational and experimental work. In every way New

Jersey offers attractions to prospective egg farmers.
Fifty-seven

POULTRY SECTIONS

(SEE MAP OPPOSITE.)

Though practically the entire State is favorable for poultry raising, the
industry has become intensified in certain sections. “The Vineland area in
particular contains many poultry farms, mostly of the same type. With the
exception of Petaluna, California, no other area in the United States has
developed poultry farming to so high a degree. Other sections closely
rival Vineland.

Section 1.—Vineland Area. ‘This covers a rectangular tract in Cumber-
land County about five miles wide and seven miles long, with the borough of
Vineland as its center. It is 35 miles south of Philadelphia and 100 miles
from New York City. ‘Transportation facilities are excellent, no poultry
farm being over two miles from a shipping point. “The topography is nearly
level; the soil is light and sandy, with considerable gravel in many places.
It is so well drained that it is possible to keep poultry on the same ground
year after year without danger of disease. “The Leghorn is the prevailing
type of bird.

Section 2.—Lakewood and Toms River Area. ‘The area about these
centers is located in Ocean County, 63 miles from New York City, and
about 13 miles from an important group of shore resorts. Shipping facil-
ities by rail and highway are very convenient. The topography is fairly
level; the soil and climatic conditions are similar to those of Section 1.
Throughout the area are well-grown pine forests which further moderate
the naturally mild winters. The industry is not quite so intensive as in
Section 1, the farms being larger and more scattered, yet the section prom-
ises to rival the Vineland area within a few years. Here as well the pre-
dominating type is the Leghorn, and there are also some of the best Barred
Rock and Rhode Island Red flocks in the country.

Section 3—Hammonton Area. ‘This narrow rectangular strip extends
along two railroads between Hammonton and Egg Harbor City. Con-
ditions respecting soil and climate are similar to those of Section 1, though
the poultry industry is somewhat less intensified. Its future is promising.
The Leghorn is the principal type raised.

Section 4.—Delaware River Area. In the immediate vicinity of Lam-
bertville and Frenchtown is a section made up principally of large special-

Fifty-eight

ReortJervis

NEW JERSEY ““¥

CHIEF POULTRY SECTIONS

1920

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Fifty-nine

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A commercial poultry farm.

ized farm flocks containing from 200 to 600 birds. ‘This is one of the dis-
tricts in which general farmers, as distinguished from specialists, keep ade-
quate flocks, and raise a considerable part of their feed. A great many of
the eggs produced in the northern part of this area are sold in the spring of
the year at commercial hatcheries in Frenchtown, Rosemont and Stockton.
These are among the largest in the world, producing millions of chicks each
year. Eggs are marketed co-operatively in Newark and New York. Be-
sides Leghorns, many Rhode Island Reds and White and Barred Plymouth
Rocks are raised.

Section 5.—Sussex Area. In this area, located in the northwestern part
of Sussex County adjacent to the Delaware River, the industry is not so
intensive as in Sections | and 2. The topography is rather rough for New
Jersey farm land, and the soil is mainly a silty or stony loam. ‘This section
has pleasant summers, but longer and more severe winters than the southern
portions of the State. “The land is well drained and some crops are raised
along with the poultry. The Leghorn is the prevailing type. The ship-
ping points are Port Jervis and Branchville. Branchville is 70 miles and
Port Jervis is 80 miles by rail from New York City.

Section 6.—Bergen and Passaic Area. North of the metropolitan dis-
trict, partly in Bergen and partly in Passaic County, is a section of com-
mercial poultry farms which carry from 800 to 1500 birds. The farms are
from 12 to 40 acres in size, and have good markets in New York and its
suburbs. In most cases poultry raising is combined successfully with truck

Sixty

New Jersey has room for more duck farms.

farming. Wyandottes, Rhode Island Reds, and White and Barred Rocks
are raised to a considerable extent, together with some Leghorns.

Section 7.—Seashore Area. ‘This area extends along the shore from
Keansburg to Farmingdale. It has many commercial farms with from
1000 to 1200 birds, or more, and is growing rapidly. The farmers sell
to the shore trade in summer, and ship to Newark and New York during
the winter. Farms vary in size from 5 to 25 acres and usually combine
fruit growing and truck gardening with poultry. Leghorns are raised
mostly, with a few flocks of the heavier breeds.

Section 8.—Smithville Area. In this section, with Smithville as the
center, are found a number of commercial plants with about 1000 birds.
These farms, like those in Sections 1 and 2 are small in size and especially
devoted to poultry raising on an intensive scale, principally of Leghorns.
Shipping facilities are good and there is ample room for expansion.

Section 9.—Cape May Area. This growing area includes Woodbine
and Belle Plain in Cape May County. The farms are similar to those in
Section 1, but the practice is less intensified. Leghorns predominate.

Section 10.—Camden County Area. This area includes a small section
in the central part of Camden County around Atco and Clementon and
much resembles Section 8. In addition to Leghorns are found many flocks

Sixty-one

of Wyandottes, Rhode Island Reds, and White and Barred Plymouth
Rocks.

Section 11.—Pleasantville Area. ‘This area extends along the shore just
outside of Atlantic City, and, with Pleasantville as its center, contains a
number of modern poultry plants similar to those found in Sections 1 and
2. The nearby shore resorts furnish ready markets. The Leghorn is the
prevailing type.

Section 12.—Franklinville-Elmer Area. That part of Gloucester County
around Franklinville, and a corner of Salem County in the vicinity of Elmer
are included in this area. Poultry raising is carried on in connection with
general farming, and the farms, which range from 25 to 100 acres, raise
a large part of the food consumed by the birds. Flocks vary from 400 to
1200 birds. Eggs are for the most part shipped 25 miles to Philadelphia.
In addition to Leghorns, the heavier breeds, such as Wyandottes and Barred
and White Plymouth Rocks, are raised.

Success in
poultry raising
depends upon
intelligent
management.

Sixty-two

New Jersey Produced in 1919
$25,000,000 worth of Dairy Products

20,000,000 “ “Poultry Products
19:726,000 —“ “White Potatoes
17,018,000 “ =. Corn

14,326,000 “ MEP AY

12,500,000 “ ‘““ Vegetables
10,000,000 “ “Fruits

30,000,000 “ “Other Farm Crops

It has the land to double this
production

AVERAGE FARM VALUES

Surveys of farming sections, made before the war by experts from the
State Agricultural Experiment Station, covering several hundred farms
give the following average sizes and values:

aro ie aces Maine pense.”
Dairy 153.9 $7576) $ 50.45
White Potato 98. 14,145 144.34
Truck Sb 9,845 179.00
Poultry 13: 5,972 428.61
General 110.4 10,680 96.70

These values, being averages, and even the higher present average values,
do not, of course, represent the sale price or earning power of the best
lands in the State. Some farms are properly valued at upwards of $500
an acre, exclusive of movables, because they yield a profit on that much in-
vestment. Yet the fact remains that a large part of our farm land is under-
valued, and on that account should be attractive to purchasers. ‘This view
supports no attempt to increase farm prices beyond the point determined by
the earning power of land. Anything like a boom in farm values would
be a positive misfortune.

Sixty-three

RELIABLE INFORMATION OFFERED NEW SETTLERS

Necessity for Facts.—New Jersey’s repute has suffered not a little through
the ill-advised—sometimes conscienceless, efforts of boomers, who, with
no knowledge of the diversity of our soils, and with no knowledge of,
or interest in, the requirements for successful farming, have advertised
tracts of land for farming enterprises, especially fruit and poultry raising,
in a way that has brought disappointment to many. ‘The State, and its
official agencies, stand for none of these efforts. “There is no bonanza to be
found here and no effort is made to attract farmers, or families, who hope
to find an easy living on the land. Our appeal is made to those who seek
opportunity to practice, and to develop, their skill as farmers under agree-
able living conditions, and where success may be assured through honest
work, intelligently directed.

This publication presents facts. The material presented was prepared in
co-operation with the Director, and various experts of the State Agricul-
tural Experiment Station, and with the State Secretary of Agriculture and
his assistants.

The Land Registry of the Department is maintained to advise prospective
settlers regarding suitable locations. It gives, without charge, definite and
trustworthy information about farming opportunities and conditions and
assists in securing farms adapted to the inquirer’s needs, experience, and
financial ability. It is in touch with available properties in every part of
the State, ranging from uncleared land and rundown farms to highly de-
veloped farms of all sizes and types. Correspondence is invited.

DEPARTMENT OF ConsErRvaATION @ DEVELOPMENT,
State House, Trenton, 1920. Alfred GasKill, Director.

Sixty-four

THE BEERS PRESS, TRENTON, N. J.

LIBRARY OF CONGRES

HRA

@ 003 192 347 5